It was day one for the young boy. With a zest for his life purpose, the boy touched his guru’s feet, marking the start of his arduous journey. But the guru said nothing. From that day on he touched his guru’s feet for blessings who never uttered a word and yet, the boy began his day honing his skills. Soon, the forest echoed with twangs, one string every second, one arrow at a time. And with each passing day, he became the “archer of the forest.” Even when his guru never said anything, he was monumental in inspiring and guiding the young boy to become a legend whose name nobody knew.

The kingdom’s prince, who was destined to be the greatest archer ever existed, happened to hear the echoes of the forest. With an unnerving restlessness the prince wanted to know whose arrow could rip apart his prestige. To his disbelief, it was just a young boy with ragged attire. He witnessed the boy’s skills to be more precise and strategic than him. When the majestic prince hesitantly asked the tribal boy who mastered his bow to shoot an arrow that could pierce through raindrops, his ears couldn’t fathom the boy’s answer. Next day, the prince bought his own guru. And that was the day that immortalised the boy's name–Eklavya! But what inspired generations was the heartbreaking story of the tribal boy. Eklavya revealed to the young prince that his guru was “the Dronacharya.” The destined archer prince, Arjuna was shocked that the teacher who was only supposed to teach the royal family also taught such an unknown name. Dronacharya quickly denied any affiliation to the young boy. And that led to another crucial revelation that showed the boy’s relentlessness. All this time, Eklavya’s guru was just a statue of Dronacharya. In the most unexpected arch in history ever, Dronacharya asked for guru Dakshina (fees) by giving his thumb in exchange for becoming his disciple. Without hesitation, Eklavya gave his most treasured asset to prove his devotion and respect, but lost his life purpose. This story has been etched for eternity as we still think of his untapped potential with a lost thumb. And here we are now, thousands of years later, when a young girl completely dismantled the “thumb rule” with her perseverance and courage. Let’s travel to day one of a young girl from the valleys of Jammu and Kashmir, in the small yet serene Loidhar village of Kishtwar. Her life began with a paradox– ‘going out of limb” to change history like never-before! If you are stuck in your life due to one unfortunate circumstance, this is a sign to read along and find a light even in the darkest hour of your life.

Sheetal Devi: When a Wingless Butterfly Flies Higher Than Anyone

When a girl is born in India, we say a lil’ fairy has been blessed upon us. But what happens when the fairy loses her wings?

Born with a rare condition known as phocomelia, which resulted in underdeveloped limbs, Sheetal Devi's early life was filled with challenges. Her early days were marked with struggle for self-sustenance, learning how to use her feet to write, eat, and do her daily routine/chores. Yet, there was something inside her… A spark within has more power to win! If you want proof that your inconvenience can become your power, then this chronicle will blow your mind.

Discovering Potential in Rarest Gems: Rise of Sheetal Devi

As our saying goes– “a diamond’s true value can only be seen by a jeweller!” Leave it to the Indian Army to detect the rarest of the gems in the most unexpected cases. Let’s paint a picture… What would be your first reaction if you see a girl with no hands? We will either see her helplessness, have sympathy, or consider ways to help her. But none of us could have ever envisioned a little girl with no hands to pick up a bow & arrow. Yet, a youth event organised in 2019 by the Indian Army was a plot twist to young Sheetal’s story. What we see as shortcomings were a wings of courage for Sheetal. Climbing trees using just her legs displayed a keen sense of kinesthetic intelligence. Her story is a testament to what Nietzsche proposed: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!” Sometimes, all you need in life is believing in yourself and someone who pushes you to realise your belief. Coach Kuldeep Vedwan, a beacon of belief took Sheetal under his wing having seen her mindset– and this right here my friends what maketh or breaketh the person. Everyone who knew this remarkable girl admired her mindset of optimism, perseverance, and courage. And thus began the making of a legend that we know today. Coach Vedwan narrates his first instinct on how to materialise her high spirits–

“Initially, we thought prosthetics might help, but it became clear that wasn’t the right path.”

Instead, they discovered the inspiring story of Matt Stutzman, an armless archer who used his legs to shoot. This discovery led to the development of a unique technique for Sheetal.

Vedwan explains.

“Sheetal’s technique is a blend of traditional skills and innovative adjustments,”

“She uses her legs to draw the bow, a method adapted from Stutzman’s approach. Her determination and skill have been incredible to witness.”

In a heart-to-heart interview, Sheetal’s coach and confidante, Abhilasha Chaudhary reveals how they designed a personalised device that helped her to manoeuvre the bow and arrow with her chin. Thus began a journey that shooketh the world!

Sheetal Devi Conquers The World!

Sheetal’s breakthrough came in 2023 when she clinched a silver medal at the World Archery Para Championships in the Czech Republic. This achievement was historic, marking her as the first female armless archer to win a medal at this prestigious event. This success not only highlighted her exceptional skill but also secured a quota for India in the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

But that wasn’t the end of her phenomenal year. At the Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou, China, Sheetal Devi showcased her prowess further by winning gold in both the individual compound and mixed team events, and silver in the women’s doubles competition. Her performance made her the top-ranked female para compound archer globally. Sheetal’s achievements did not go unnoticed. She was named the Best Youth Athlete of the Year by the Asian Paralympic Committee and received the Arjuna Award, India’s second-highest honour in sports. Her incredible feats were celebrated by figures such as Prime Minister Modi and Anand Mahindra, the latter promising a special gift in recognition of her achievements.

“Her success is inspiring and shows that limits exist only in our minds.”

says Romica Sharma, a fellow archer who assists Sheetal during international events.

“Sheetal’s story is a testament to what can be achieved with relentless determination and support,”

How To Change the Thumb Rule And Make Our Own Destiny Like Sheetal Devi

If someone asks your identity, show them your potential. If someone questions your validity, show them how you are their rival. If someone demands your armour, show them your valour. If Eklavya witnessed Sheetal’s valour today, he would have still become the greatest archer, breaking the thumb rule. A 17-year-old showed us a journey from adversity to advantage– forget about a thumb, she dominated the world with no hands. She showed how one shortcoming can empower your other assets.

All you need is drive, urge, and determination. Build a mindset, build your belief and no one can hold you back from then on.
Guru Dronacharya’s ask for a thumb was a price of Eklavya's potential. But Sheetal’s subversion of this expectation showed that the value is in our minds, and the worth is in our belief. Cut to the Paris Paralympics 2024, we witnessed another honour for our country when our mixed compound open archery champions Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar won a bronze medal. And we are left to introspect our perspective on life. Can we too defy the odds against our favour and turn them into stepping stones to success?